Non-Contentious Construction Senior Associate

William James Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Supportive working environment

Clear development pathways

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking a Senior Associate-level construction lawyer to join its non-contentious Construction team in London. You will handle a broad range of matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts, project advisory work, and development funding arrangements.

The role offers direct partner access and a clear pathway for progression in a collaborative, low-attrition environment. The firm works on complex domestic and international projects, advising contractors,

Qualifications

• Senior Associate-level construction lawyer (typically 5+ PQE).
• Confident drafting and negotiating standard form and bespoke contracts.
• Commercial, client-focused and comfortable taking responsibility for matters.
• Collaborative, proactive and interested in long-term progression.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts.
• Project advisory work across the lifecycle of major developments.
• Funding and development agreements and procurement strategy advice.
• Advising on risk allocation and contract structure for infrastructure projects.
• Support for international projects and cross-border work.

Skills

Construction law

Contract drafting

Client management

Negotiation

Job description

Senior Associate – Construction (Non-Contentious)

The Role

William James Recruitment is instructed by a highly regarded specialist construction law firm seeking a Senior Associate-level lawyer to join its non-contentious Construction team in London.

The firm has a long-established reputation for advising on complex domestic and international construction and infrastructure projects. It operates from multiple offices in the UK and internationally and is known for its partner-led, collaborative culture and exceptionally low attrition.

The London Construction team is well-established, collegiate and growing. The team advises contractors, consultants, insurers and developers on a wide range of project advisory, contractual and development matters. This is a genuine opportunity to step into a visible senior role with direct partner access, high-quality work and a clear pathway for progression.

The Work

You will work on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters, including:

• Drafting and negotiating construction and engineering contracts
• Project advisory work throughout the lifecycle of major developments
• Funding and development agreements
• Advising on procurement strategy and risk allocation
• Supporting infrastructure and international projects

The work spans NEC, FIDIC and JCT contracts and includes both UK-based and cross-border projects across infrastructure, engineering and development sectors.

The Candidate

• Senior Associate-level construction lawyer (typically 5+ PQE)
• Confident drafting and negotiating standard form and bespoke contracts
• Commercial, client-focused and comfortable taking responsibility for matters
• Keen to work closely with partners and play a visible role within the team
• Collaborative, proactive and interested in long-term progression

Progression & Development

• Clear line of sight to Partners and Senior Leadership
• Strong mentoring culture and active support with business development
• Senior Associates expected to take increased responsibility within 12 months
• Opportunities to become involved in international work, subject to interest and experience

Culture & Platform

• Specialist, partner-led firm with a strong reputation in construction and infrastructure
• Supportive, non-hierarchical team culture
• Work shared fairly, with no internal competition for clients
• High levels of exposure to major projects from day one
• Emphasis on teamwork, responsiveness and commercial advice

Why This Opportunity

• Join a market-recognised construction practice with deep sector expertise
• Work on high-profile, complex domestic and international projects
• Genuine opportunity for progression in a low-attrition environment
• Partner access, autonomy and meaningful responsibility
• A collaborative alternative to large, highly leveraged City teams

• Competitive remuneration
• Supportive and flexible working environment
• High-quality work with clear development pathways